Dana Chilton
UEFA are set to up their security at Euro 2024 after a number of fans entered the pitch in an effort to take pictures with Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Ronaldo played in win against Turkey
- Game halted due to pitch invaders
- Security to be increased at matches
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- WHAT HAPPENED?
- Ronaldo was left visibly furious after six separate pitch invaders made it onto the pitch and tried to take selfies with him during Portugal’s 3-0 win over Turkey at Euro 2024. The match was halted several times as spectators sprinted towards the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. As a result, UEFA have announced security at stadiums for the remainder of the tournament will be increased.
- WHAT UEFA SAID
- A UEFA spokesperson said: “Safety and security in the stadium, on the pitch and at team facilities are the ultimate priority for UEFA, DFB and EURO 2024 GmbH. To this end, additional safety measures will be deployed in the stadiums to further meet the requirements of the tournament, and to prevent such incidents.” For reasons of security, we cannot comment further on specific measures. As a reminder, any incursion onto the pitch constitutes a breach of the stadium rules and will result in expulsion from the stadium, a ban from all tournament matches and the filing of a formal criminal complaint for trespass.”
- THE BIGGER PICTURE
- Fans should not be able to get anywhere near to the players on the pitch during a game but it has been a common problem in football for years. Such is Ronaldo’s character, he posed for a selfie with the first invader but looked increasingly agitated as more and more spectators headed his way.
- WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
- The Al-Nassr striker is yet to get off the mark at Euro 2024 but seems more focused on helping his team get the results they need to advance. He unselfishly squared a one-on-one to Bruno Fernandes against Turkey but will be hoping to get on the scoresheet against Georgia in the final group stage game, with Portugal already safely through to the round of 16.
